noun
introspection
in-truh-SPEK-shun
Introspection (noun) means the act of examining your own thoughts, feelings and motives. Example: “A long illness gave him time for introspection.”
noun
1
The act of examining your own thoughts, feelings and motives.
"A long illness gave him time for introspection."
"The album is an exercise in quiet introspection."
2
computing In computing, the ability of a program to examine its own structure, types or state while it is running.
"The framework uses introspection to discover which methods a class exposes."
How to use introspection
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLooking inside your own mind to understand yourself.
When to use it
Neutral to positive, though 'too much introspection' is a common criticism.
Memory tip
The verb is 'introspect', but 'reflect on' sounds more natural in everyday English.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
introspection / introversion
introspection / retrospection
Common pairings
moment of introspection
deep introspection
period of introspection
runtime introspection
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A long illness gave him time for _____.
Etymology
From Latin introspicere 'to look into', from intro- 'inwards' plus specere 'to look'.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for introspection
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for introspection →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between introspection and introversion?
Introspection is an activity: examining your own mind. Introversion is a personality trait: preferring quieter, less socially demanding settings. Extroverts introspect too, and introverts do not necessarily do it more.
What is the difference between introspection and retrospection?
Introspection looks inward at your current thoughts and motives. Retrospection looks backward at past events. You might introspect about why you feel anxious now, and retrospect about what happened last year.
Can you have too much introspection?
Psychologists distinguish helpful reflection from rumination, which is repetitive brooding that raises distress without producing insight. The word itself is neutral, but the criticism is common.
What is the meaning of introspection?
"introspection" (noun) means the act of examining your own thoughts, feelings and motives.
